[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 82 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23246-23250]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-10967]
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DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
[Announcement 803]
Public Health Conference Support Grant Program
Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Agency
for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) announce the expected
availability of funds in fiscal year (FY) 1998 for the Public Health
Conference Support Grant Program.
CDC and ATSDR are committed to achieving the health promotion and
disease prevention objectives of ``Healthy People 2000,'' a national
activity to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve the quality of
life. This announcement is related to all of the Healthy People 2000
priority areas, except HIV Infection. (An announcement for HIV
entitled, ``Public Health Conference Support Cooperative Agreement
Program for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Prevention'' will be
published.) (For ordering a copy of ``Healthy People 2000,'' see the
Section ``Where To Obtain Additional Information.'')
Authority
The CDC program is authorized under Section 301 [42 U.S.C. 241] of
the Public Health Service Act. The ATSDR program is authorized under
Sections 104(i)(14) and (15) of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980, as amended,
[42 U.S.C. 9604 (i)(14) and (15)].
[[Page 23247]]
Smoke-Free Workplace
CDC and ATSDR strongly encourage all grant recipients to provide a
smoke-free workplace and promote the nonuse of all tobacco products,
and Pub. L. 103-227, the Pro-Children Act of 1994, prohibits smoking in
certain facilities that receive Federal funds in which education,
library, day care, health care, and early childhood development
services are provided to children.
Eligible Applicants
CDC eligible applicants include public and private (e.g.,
community-based, national and regional organizations) nonprofit
organizations and governments and their agencies. Thus, universities,
colleges, research institutions, hospitals, other public and private
non-profit organizations, State and local governments or their bona
fide agents, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, Indian
tribes or Indian tribal organizations, and small, minority and/or
women-owned non-profit businesses are eligible for these grants.
ATSDR eligible applicants are the official public health agencies
of the States, or their bona fide agents. This includes the District of
Columbia, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, the Northern Mariana
Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Island, the Republic of Palau,
and federally recognized Indian tribal governments. State
organizations, including State universities, State colleges, and State
research institutions, must establish that they meet their respective
State's legislature definition of a State entity or political
subdivision to be considered an eligible applicant.
Note: Effective January 1, 1996, Pub. L. 104-65 states than an
organization described in section 501 (c)(4) of the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 which engages in lobbying activities shall not be
eligible for the receipt of Federal funds constituting an award,
grant (cooperative agreement), contract, loan, or any other form.
Availability of Funds
Approximately $500,000 from CDC is expected to be available in FY
1998 to fund approximately 25-30 awards. The awards range from $1,000
to $30,000 with the average award being approximately $15,000. The
awards will be made for a 12-month budget and project period. The
funding estimates may vary and are subject to change, based on the
availability of funds.
ATSDR expects to have approximately $50,000 available in FY 1998 to
fund approximately six awards. It is expected that the average award
will be $8,000, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Applications requesting
funds in excess of $10,000 may not be fully funded, depending upon
availability of funds. The awards will be made for a 12-month budget
and project period. Funding estimates may vary and are subject to
change.
Use of Funds
CDC and ATSDR funds may be used for direct cost
expenditures: salaries, speaker fees, rental of necessary equipment,
registration fees, and transportation costs (not to exceed economy
class fare) for non-Federal individuals.
CDC and ATSDR funds may not be used for the purchase of
equipment, payments of honoraria, alterations or renovations,
organizational dues, entertainment or personal expenses, cost of travel
and payment of a Federal employee, nor per diem or expenses other than
local mileage for local participants.
CDC and ATSDR funds may not be used for reimbursement of
indirect costs.
Although the practice of handing out novelty items at
meetings is often employed in the private sector to provide
participants with souvenirs, Federal funds cannot be used for this
purpose.
CDC and ATSDR funds may be used for only those parts of
the conference specifically supported by CDC or ATSDR as documented in
the grant award.
CDC and ATSDR will not fund 100% of any conference
proposed under this announcement.
CDC and ATSDR will not fund a conference after it has
taken place.
Background
CDC supports local, State, academic, national and international
health efforts to prevent unnecessary disease, disability, and
premature death, and to improve the quality of life. This support often
takes the form of education, and the transfer of high quality research
findings and public health strategies and practices through symposia,
seminars and workshops. Through the support of conferences and meetings
of important players in the areas of public health research, education,
and prevention application, CDC is meeting its overall goal of
dissemination and implementation of new cost effective intervention
strategies.
ATSDR's systematic approaches are needed for linking applicable
resources in public health with individuals and organizations involved
in the practice of applying such research. Mechanisms are also needed
to shorten the time frame between the development of disease prevention
and health promotion techniques and their practical application. ATSDR
believes that conferences and similar meetings that permit individuals
engaged in health research, education, and application (related to
actual and/or potential human exposure to toxic substances) to interact
are critical for the development and implementation of effective
programs to prevent adverse health effects from hazardous substances.
Purpose
The purpose of the CDC and ATSDR conference support grants is to
provide PARTIAL support for specific non-Federal conferences in the
areas of health promotion and disease prevention information/education
programs (Except HIV Infection).
CDC applications are being solicited for conferences on:
(1) Chronic disease prevention; (2) infectious disease prevention;
(3) control of injury or disease associated with environmental, home,
and work-place hazards; (4) environmental health; (5) occupational
safety and health; (6) control of risk factors such as poor nutrition,
smoking, lack of exercise, high blood pressure, and physical stress;
(7) health education and promotion; (8) laboratory practices; and (9)
efforts that would strengthen the public health system.
ATSDR applications are being solicited for conferences on: (1)
Health effects of hazardous substances in the environment; (2) disease
and toxic substance exposure registries; (3) hazardous substance
removal and remediation; (4) emergency response to toxic and
environmental disasters; (5) risk communication; (6) environmental
disease surveillance; and (7) investigation and research on hazardous
substances in the environment.
Because conference support by CDC and ATSDR creates the appearance
of CDC and ATSDR co-sponsorship, there will be active participation by
CDC and ATSDR in the development and approval of those portions of the
agenda supported by CDC and ATSDR funds. In addition, CDC and ATSDR
will reserve the right to approve or reject the content of the full
agenda, press events, promotional materials (including press releases),
speaker selection, and site selection. CDC and ATSDR funds will not be
expended for non-approved portions of meetings. Contingency awards will
be made allowing usage of only 10% of the total amount to be awarded
until a final full agenda is
[[Page 23248]]
approved by CDC and ATSDR. This will provide funds for costs associated
with preparation of the agenda. The remainder of funds will be released
only upon approval of the final full agenda. CDC and ATSDR reserve the
right to terminate co-sponsorship if they do not concur with the final
agenda.
Any conference sponsored by CDC or ATSDR shall be held in
facilities that are fully accessible to the public as required by the
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG).
Accessibility as per ADAAG also addresses accommodations for persons
with sensory impairments.
The conference organizer(s) may use CDC's name only in
factual publicity for the conference, and should understand that CDC
involvement in the conference does not necessarily indicate support for
the organizer's general policies, activities, products or service.
Because CDC's and ATSDR's missions and programs relate to the
promotion of health and the prevention of disease, disability, and
premature death, only conferences focusing on such programmatic areas
will be considered. Those topics concerned with health-care and health-
service issues and areas other than prevention should be directed to
other public health agencies.
Recipient Requirements
CDC and ATSDR grantees must meet the following requirements:
A. Manage all activities related to program content (e.g.,
objectives, topics, attendees, session design, workshops, special
exhibits, speakers, fees, agenda composition, and printing). Many of
these items may be developed in concert with assigned CDC and ATSDR
project personnel.
B. Provide draft copies of the agenda and proposed ancillary
activities to CDC and ATSDR for approval. Submit copy of final full
agenda and proposed ancillary activities to CDC and ATSDR for approval.
C. Determine and manage all promotional activities (e.g., title,
logo, announcements, mailers, press, etc.). CDC and ATSDR must review
and approve any materials with reference to CDC and ATSDR involvement
or support.
D. Manage all registration processes with participants, invitees,
and registrants (e.g., travel, reservations, correspondence, conference
materials and hand-outs, badges, registration procedures, etc.).
E. Plan, negotiate, and manage conference site arrangements,
including all audio-visual needs.
F. Analyze data from conference activities that pertain to the
impact on prevention. Adequately assess increased knowledge, attitudes,
and behaviors of the target attendees.
G. ATSDR grantees must develop and conduct education and training
programs on prevention of health effects of hazardous substances.
H. ATSDR grantees must collaborate with ATSDR staff in reporting
and disseminating results and relevant prevention education and
training information to appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies,
and the general public.
Technical Reporting Requirements
An original and two copies of the financial status and performance
reports are due 90 days after the end of the budget/project period. The
performance report should include: (1) Grant number; (2) title of the
conference; (3) name of the principal investigator, program director,
or coordinator; (4) name of the organization that conducted the
conference; (5) a copy of the agenda; (6) a list of individuals who
participated in the formally planned sessions of the meeting; and (7) a
summarization of the results of the meeting, including a discussion of
the accomplishments related to stated conference objectives.
With the prior approval of CDC and ATSDR, copies of proceedings or
publications resulting from the conference may be substituted for the
performance report, provided they contain the information requested in
items (1) through (7) above.
Letter of Intent
Potential applicants must submit an original and two copies of a
one-page typewritten Letter of Intent (LOI) that briefly describes the
title, location, purpose, and date of the proposed conference and the
intended audience (number and profession). The LOI must also include
the estimated total cost of the conference and the percentage of the
total cost (which must be less than 100%) being requested from CDC and
ATSDR.
Requests for 100% funding will be considered non-responsive to this
program announcement and returned to applicant without review. Current
recipients of CDC and ATSDR funding must provide the award number and
title of the funded programs. No attachments, booklets, or other
documents accompanying the LOI will be considered. The one page
limitation (inclusive of letterhead and signatures), must be observed
or the Letter of Intent will be returned without review.
Letters of Intent will be reviewed by program staff for consistency
with:
CDC's mission of health promotion and disease prevention
goals, agency priorities, and the purpose of this program; and
ATSDR's mission to prevent exposure and adverse human
health effects and diminished quality of life associated with exposure
to hazardous substances from waste sites, unplanned releases, and other
sources of pollution present in the environment.
Following submission of a LOI, successful potential applicants will
receive written notification to submit an application for funding.
Applications may be accepted by CDC and ATSDR only after the LOI has
been received by CDC and ATSDR and written invitation from CDC and
ATSDR has been received by prospective applicant. An invitation to
submit a final application will be made on the basis of the proposed
conference's relationship to the CDC and ATSDR funding priorities and
on the availability of funds.
Application Content
Applications may be submitted only after a Letter of Intent has
been approved by the CDC and ATSDR and a written invitation from the
CDC and ATSDR has been extended to the prospective applicant.
Invitation to submit an application does not constitute a
commitment to fund the applicant. Applicants invited to apply must use
application Form PHS 5161-1, and the following must be included:
A. Two-Page Overview--The overview must include the following:
1. Title of conference--include the term ``conference,''
``symposium,'' ``workshop,'' or similar designation to assist in the
identification of the request;
2. Location of conference--city, State, and facility, if known;
3. Expected registration--target audience and number of persons
expected to attend;
4. Date(s) of conference; and
5. Summary of conference objectives, format, and projected agenda,
including a list of principal areas or topics to be addressed.
B. Brief Background of Applicant Organization--Include the
organizational history and purpose, and previous experience related to
the proposed conference topic.
C. Narrative--The narrative should cover the following:
1. A clear statement of the need for and purpose of the conference.
This statement should also describe any problems the conference will
address or seek to solve, and the action items or resolutions it may
stimulate.
[[Page 23249]]
2. An elaboration on the conference objectives and target
population. A proposed agenda must be included. A list of the principal
areas or topics to be addressed, including speakers/facilitator, should
be included. In addition, information should be provided about all
other national, regional, and local conferences held on the same or
similar subject during the last three years (if known).
3. A clear description of the evaluation plan and how it will
assess the accomplishments of the conference objectives.
4. An operational plan or step-by-step schedule of major conference
planning activities necessary to attain specified objectives. This
schedule will include target dates by which the activities will be
accomplished.
5. A description of any support (e.g., monetary, staff) or co-
sponsorship related to this conference. (It is necessary that
organizations seeking these grant funds be able to show additional
support in the form of finances, services, etc., because this program
provides Partial funding only.) For each organization contributing
funding, a letter must be included documenting that support.
6. Any other information that will support this request for funds.
Note: Essential information requested in the Narrative should
NOT be included as appendices to the application.
D. Biographical Sketches--Biographical sketches are needed for the
individuals responsible for planning and implementing the conference.
Experience and training related to conference planning and
implementation as it relates to the proposed topic should be noted.
E. Budget Information--A total conference budget that includes the
share requested from CDC as well as those funds from other sources
(including income from the conference), and a justification consistent
with the purpose, objectives, and operational plan of the conference.
Also, identify the source(s) of the non-Federal share.
F. Letters of Endorsement or Recommendations--Letters of
endorsement or recommendations supporting the organization and its
capability to perform the proposed conference activity.
Evaluation Criteria
CDC and ATSDR applications will be reviewed and evaluated according
to the following criteria (TOTAL 100 POINTS):
(Please note the following: Section A.1., is ATSDR specific; only ATSDR
applications will be reviewed and evaluated using this criteria.
Section A.2., is CDC specific. All other sections in these criteria are
applicable to both CDC and ATSDR. Evaluation Criteria F. Budget
Justification and Adequacy of Facilities, although not scored, contain
a reference to funding information specific only to ATSDR
applications.)
A. Proposed Program and Technical Approach (25 points)
Evaluation will be based on:
1. The public health significance of the proposed conference
including the degree to which the conference can be expected to
influence the prevention of exposure and adverse human health effects
and diminished quality of life associated with exposure to hazardous
substances from waste sites, unplanned releases and other sources of
pollution present in the environment. (Applicable to ATSDR applications
only.)
2. The applicant's description of the proposed conference as it
relates to specific non-Federal conferences in the areas of heath
promotion and disease prevention information/education programs (except
HIV infection, mental health, and substance abuse), including the
public health need of the proposed conference and the degree to which
the conference can be expected to influence public health practices.
Evaluation will be based also on the extent of the applicant's
collaboration with other agencies serving the intended audience,
including local health and education agencies concerned with health
promotion and disease prevention. (Applicable to all CDC applications
except ATSDR.)
3. The applicant's description of conference objectives in terms of
quality and specificity and the feasibility of the conference based on
the operational plan.
B. Applicant Capability (10 points)
Evaluation will be based on the adequacy of applicant's resources
(additional sources of funding, organization's strengths, staff time,
proposed facilities, etc.) available for conducting conference
activities.
C. The Qualification of Program Personnel (20 points)
Evaluation will be based on the extent to which the application has
described:
1. The qualifications, experience, and commitment of the principal
staff person, and his/her ability to devote adequate time and effort to
provide effective leadership.
2. The competence of associate staff persons, discussion leaders,
speakers, and presenters to accomplish conference objectives.
3. The degree to which the application demonstrates knowledge of
nationwide and education efforts currently underway which may affect,
and be affected by, the proposed conference.
D. Conference Objectives (25 points)
Evaluation will be based on:
1. The overall quality, reasonableness, feasibility, and logic of
the designed conference objectives, including the overall work plan and
timetable for accomplishment.
2. The likelihood of accomplishing conference objectives as they
relate to disease prevention and health promotion goals, and the
feasibility of the project in terms of the operational plan.
E. Evaluation Methods (20 points)
Evaluation will be based on the extent to which evaluation
mechanisms for the conference will enable adequate assessment of
increased knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of the target attendees.
F. Budget Justification and Adequacy of Facilities (not scored)
The proposed budget will be evaluated on the basis of its
reasonableness, concise and clear justification, and consistency with
the intended use of grant funds. The application will also be reviewed
as to the adequacy of existing and proposed facilities and resources
for conducting conference activities.
The following is applicable for ATSDR applications only:
Applications requesting funds in excess of $10,000 may not be fully
funded, depending upon availability of funds.
Executive Order 12372 Review
Applications are not subject to review as governed by Executive
Order 12372.
Public Health System Reporting Requirements
This program is not subject to the Public Health System Reporting
Requirements.
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance
The CDC Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.283.
ATSDR's Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number is 93.161.
Other Requirements
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessability Guidelines (ADAAG)
All conferences sponsored by CDC or ATSDR shall be held in
facilities that are fully accessible to the public as required by
ADAAG. Accessibility under ADAAG addresses accommodations for persons
with sensory impairments, as well as persons
[[Page 23250]]
with physical disabilities or mobility limitations. Prior to receiving
an award, the applicant organization must assure compliance with the
ADAAG.
Submission Requirements and Deadlines
A. Letter of Intent (LOI)
1. One Original and Two Copies of the LOI must be postmarked by the
following deadline dates in order to be considered in the application
cycles. (FACSIMILES ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE.)
2. Letter of Intent Due Dates:
October 6, 1997
April 6, 1998
B. Application
1. One Original and Two Copies of the invited application must be
submitted on PHS Form 5161-1 (OMB Number 0937-0189) and must be
postmarked by the following deadline dates in order to be considered in
the application cycles.
2. Application Due Dates:
Earliest Possible Award Date:
January 12, 1998
June 8, 1998
March 1, 1998
July 30, 1998
Applications may be accepted by CDC and ATSDR ONLY after the LOI
has been reviewed by CDC and ATSDR and written invitation from CDC and
ATSDR has been received by prospective applicant. An invitation to
submit an application does not constitute a commitment to fund.
Availability of funds may limit the number of Letters of Intent,
regardless of merit, that receive an invitation to submit an
application.
C. Addresses for Submission of Letters of Intent and Invited
Applications
One original and two copies of the Letters of Intent and invited
applications must be postmarked on or before the deadline date and
mailed to: Henry S. Cassell, III, Grants Management Officer, Attention:
Karen Reeves, Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry
Road, NE., Mailstop E-09, Atlanta, GA 30305.
D. Deadline
Letters of Intent and Applications shall be considered as meeting
the deadline if they are either:
1. Received on or before the deadline date, or
2. Postmarked on or before the deadline date and received in time
for submission to the independent review group. (Applicants must
request a legibly dated U.S. Postal Service postmark or obtain a
legibly dated receipt from a commercial carrier or the U.S. Postal
Service. Private metered postmarks will not be acceptable as proof of
timely mailing.)
E. Late Applications
Applications that do not meet the criteria in D.1. or D.2. above
are considered late applications and will be returned to the applicant
without review.
Where To Obtain Additional Information
To receive additional written information, call (404) 332-4561. You
will be asked to leave your name, address, telephone number and refer
to Announcement Number 803. You will receive a complete program
description, application form, and information on application
procedures. CDC/ATSDR will not send applications by facsimile or
express mail.
This and other CDC/ATSDR announcements are also available through
the CDC homepage on the Internet. The address for the CDC homepage is
http://www.cdc.gov.
If you have any questions after reviewing the contents of all
documents, you may contact: Karen Reeves, Grants Management Specialist,
Grants Management Branch, Procurement and Grants Office, Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 255 East Paces Ferry Road, NE.,
Mailstop E-09, Atlanta, GA 30305, Telephone (404) 842-6596, E-Mail
Address: ker1@cdc.gov.
Please refer to Announcement Number 803 when requesting
information, submitting your Letter of Intent and submitting the
invited application in response to the announcement.
Potential applicants may obtain a copy of ``Healthy People 2000''
(Full Report, Stock No. 017-001-00474-0) or ``Healthy People 2000''
(Summary Report, Stock No. 017-001-00473-1) referenced in the
``Introduction'' through the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402-9325, telephone (202) 512-1800.
Dated: April 23, 1997.
Claire Broome,
Deputy Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and
Deputy Administrator, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR).
[FR Doc. 97-10967 Filed 4-28-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4163-18-P
